Letter to the Editor: RV park developers should not be reimbursed a penny

At a July Ways and Means meeting of the City Council, the council members received a request from CHEDA Administrator, Craig Hoiseth to reimburse the Jennens' for expenses incurred in their plans for an RV Park in Castle Park.

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By Submitted by Gary Willhite

Crookston Times - Crookston, MN

By Submitted by Gary Willhite

Posted Aug. 21, 2014 at 9:54 AM

By Submitted by Gary Willhite

Posted Aug. 21, 2014 at 9:54 AM

Crookston, Minn.

At a July Ways and Means meeting of the City Council, the council members received a request from CHEDA Administrator, Craig Hoiseth to reimburse the Jennens' for expenses incurred in their plans for an RV Park in Castle Park.

Previously this summer, the Council voted to not convey 2.55 acres of Castle Park to the investor on a divided vote with four council members in favor of the RV Park in Castle Park.

I was surprised to learn the Investor's now, felt they should be reimbursed $16,000 for their expenses and more surprised when some council members agreed!

No prior agreement was inferred that the city would reimburse the Jennens' for any expenses, a certain amount of risk and investment is involved in any business venture.

To be honest, the plans were lacking in detail and not charged to any great detail after community input was gathered... it's just not true!

The Ways and Means Committee, which includes all eight council members and the mayor, voted on a motion to approve a $8,000 payment to the Jennens' for expenses incurred without even reviewing invoices... Myself, Wayne Melbye, Bob Quanrud an the Mayor Dave Genereux voted against the motion... but we were out voted by the other five council members, some of whom felt we should reimburse the RV Investor for the entire $16,000 request.

Last Monday, the resolution was on the agenda of the City Council to pay the investors, the Jennens $8,000 for expenses they incurred for their plans to build an RV Park in Castle Park.

When we arrived at our council meeting a stack of invoices were on our desk... which appeared to be relating to the Jennens expenses... most of these invoices were for work previously contracted in April, May and June, before any citizens feedback to change their plans.

The motion was tabled last Monday evening, if you agree with me that no payment be given to the Jennens' for their expenses, please contact your City Council member and voice your opinion.

Willhite represents Ward 3 on the Crookston City Council. He is running for mayor in the November election.